What can we expect?

Falvio Machado, executive producer, has told people the message of the show is ‘the heart knows no limits’ and aims to ‘launch a fresh way of looking at disability’.

He said: ‘We all have impairments or imperfections, it’s part of our diversity. The point is to break boundaries, to overcome and this comes from willpower – from the heart.’

The American snowboarder and actress Amy Purdy, who is a double amputee, is expected to perform a salsa dance as part of the ceremony as well as four thousands volunteers signing up to take part.

Four years ago in London, the opening ceremony aimed to celebrate the possibilities within us with Professor Stephen Hawking starring in the event.

Who will be Great Britain’s flag bearer?

Equestrian rider Lee Pearson of Great Britain (Picture:Getty Images)

Horse rider Lee Pearson will hold the flag for the 263 athletes in ParalympicsGB at the Rio Paralympic Games 2016. The 42-year-old from Staffordshire will take part in the games for his fifth year, describing himself as a ‘colourful character’.

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He says he hopes a ‘gay bloke’ bearing the flag will demonstrate the strength and diversity of the British team.